It was a little question, really… or so I thought. I just didn’t realize how BIG Your answer would be, Lord!
This morning, I asked You: “How could I ‘hallow’ Your name today in a unique way?” — i.e., revere, respect, and honor it as holy? After all, You did ask us to do this when You taught Your first disciples how You wanted us all to pray:
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name.” (Matthew 6:9)
I wanted to do this “hallowing” in a fresh way this morning. I don’t want it to become just a “going through the motions” kind of thing, where I check it off my daily “To Do List” without really meaning it in my heart. I know how easily this can happen (and has happened to me in the past).
I thought about going outside and just sitting in the stillness, observing You in the creation all around me. But it was way before dawn and I knew I wouldn’t be able to see much in the dark. (Come to think of it, that would also be a revealing encounter… wouldn’t it, Lord?!)
🙂
But instead, You suggested I go to the Internet and find a list of Your names in the Bible. Surely, that would help me branch out beyond the twenty-or-so names I usually lift up to praise You.
What I found blessed my socks off!!!
Only twenty names? How about 900 plus??? Technically, this list includes names and titles. But still… WOW!
Over 900 names and/or titles that describe something essential about Your character?! Like facets in a rare jewel that make You “sparkle” with such brilliance, it is almost beyond my ability to see?
I could focus on just one of these names (facets) on any given day… couldn’t I, Lord? Which would take me… what? The next 2.5 years?! Or maybe forever, as I deeply reflect on how You have fulfilled (and are fulfilling) each of those names in my own life? PLUS in the lives of those I know and love? PLUS in the lives of those I don’t know, but whose stories inspire me nonetheless?
“I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt His name together.” (Psalm 34:3)
Why am I not surprised to see which of Your names is listed FIRST?
ABBA!!! 🙂
Joyfully hallowing, with all my heart…
Abba’s Girl